Hi Folks:

I hope your Faith Quest is progressing well and pray you are participating in the daily devotional messages in the Faith Quest booklet or off the website ( www.goodnewsumc.net ). I am excited about the number of people that tell me that they have been blessed by the devotionals and by the sermon series.

First, several housekeeping items. Regarding our new Director of Youth Ministries, I didn't hear if any of you had a twin matress his son Judah could use. Let me know if you were (or are) able to help him.

Second, today is the last day to sign up for a make up time to get in the Good News Directory. We want you in the directory whether you are a member or a regular at Good News. Alice Pence will sign you up between 4pm and 6:30pm today, so come on down and get your picture made. The make up day is September 10th.

Third, we have a major issue that you can help us with. In most of the churches I have attended we have been able to do the function of "reception" (phone answering and some light secretarial help) with volunteers. This is especially important so that someone calling into Good News will get a person rather than the recording. Our staff has been working on doing several things to improve communications at Good News including having a set (8:30am - 4:30pm m-t and 8:30 till noon on Friday) office schedule. In addition, individual staff members will have a "standard" schedule which Jo Paul and our receptionists will have on file. When you call Good News you should be able to 1) talk to a person, 2) find the availability of the staff member you are seeking and 3) have some expectation of a returned call if you are not immediately connected. Of course, realize that when the receptionist "on call" is on the phone you will be sent to voice mail options. I say all of this to ask for your help. Our "receptionist" pool is very small and needs to be expanded. Your help for even a half day per week would be very helpful in adding a personal touch to our ability as a relational church. If you can become a "receptionist disciple" you can call Jo Paul or Mikelyn Clausen. You will be asked for your availability and then scheduled. Finally, if you are scheduled please come during your scheduled time. And thanks, in advance, for your help!

Finally, we remain a growing church with many ministry needs. We aren't finished. God is still working on us. I heard of a church member named Alan that used to wear a button that said "PBPWMGINFWMY." This jumble of letters would elicit a question that is obvious, "What does your button mean?" Alan would respond, "It means 'please be patient with me. God is not finished with me yet.'" I continue, as your pastor, to seek your patience and your help. Church isn't a pastor-directed machine that rolls past every problem or issue. We have significant imperfections and we need both your patience and your help. We are the "body of Christ" with many parts. Your "part" is needed and necessary to our church becoming what God is making us. Our staff is working and growing in knowledge, experience and understanding. So, PBPWUGINFWUY.

In Christ's Love, Randy